Looking to upgrade and getting some conflicting stories. Shop 1 says Sigma is the future (helix/cult). Yet another shop down the road hasn't sold one and said Switchblade 3 is selling like hotcakes. Seems as long as the discussion is sponsored with distribution rights on a brand, I can't get a decent answer.
I dont want this to be a holden vs ford argument. I would like some feedback from anyone who has demo or recently acquired either of these kites.
Secondly, I see heaps of reviews on Helix, but not the Cult? Why?

Note: I'm intermediate 79Kg who currently rides a prehistoric 2004 Airush Flow c-shape. Never been on anything else.

Cheers.

make up your own mind! demo them

Just upgraded from the 14mtr SB2 to the 12 mtr SB3. The new SB3 has extra grunt and speed, more thrust and therefore more pop.
With the new alterations to the bar and lines, less catching and more fun...
If my new kite was a woman I would never stop pumping it!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Praetorian

Looking to upgrade and getting some conflicting stories. Shop 1 says Sigma is the future (helix/cult). Yet another shop down the road hasn't sold one and said Switchblade 3 is selling like hotcakes. Seems as long as the discussion is sponsored with distribution rights on a brand, I can't get a decent answer.
I dont want this to be a holden vs ford argument. I would like some feedback from anyone who has demo or recently acquired either of these kites.
Secondly, I see heaps of reviews on Helix, but not the Cult? Why?

Note: I'm intermediate 79Kg who currently rides a prehistoric 2004 Airush Flow c-shape. Never been on anything else.

Cheers.

---

I've seen a lot of shops that tend to favour certain brands even if they stock multiple and pimp them no matter which kite is best.

mmmmmm Cabrinha dealers buy direct, get more profit but are forced to buy more. What will they tell you to buy????? I'm sure you will figure it out.

Demo them for yourself.

Try to demo both, seriously, it will be very hard for you to make up your mind from what is written on these forums.
The Helix was released first thats why there are more reviews for it. The Cult is a similar kite, but I'm not going to say anymore from my POV on that kite because I have not ridden it, powered.
I loaned my demo to a mate, who normally rides surf only unstrapped, he has an 07 Boxer SLE 9M, and he says he loves the 9M Cult, much better for his tyle of riding.

I've flown the Helix and SB3 many times, SB3 more, because I like them more, but I still like to ride the Helix 12M powered on 24M lines.

Going from a 2004 Flow to any of the kites you have your eye on will be mind blowing for you, and I'm pretty sure you would like any of them too.

If you go for either of the Naish kites, get the Smart Loop as part of the deal, it gives a much cleaner bar setup and its easier (and costs heaps less) to change the rope when it wears. Also get 4 or 5 M line extensions unless you are only into wave riding. If you want to boost big and want better bottom end then just use the kites with extensions all the time.

If you are looking for a 1 kite quiver go for the 12M in any of the kites.

The SB3 is strictly plug and play, just pump it up and ride. My favourite combo is the 14 and 10, with 2 boards (1.32 and 1.52 Undergrounds) I'm sorted for all winds between 8 and 30 knots.
The 12M SB3 will get you going upwind from around 12/13 and you will be comfortable on it till around 25 knots ( it can handle gusts to 30'ish easily).

All 3 kites relaunch easily. Construction, Cabs win, but we have had no issues with our heavily used Naish demos either, not have I had any problems with kites we have sold.

PM me if you want more info, comparing leading brands on this forums turns into a rubbish pimp fest in no time.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

quote:

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Originally posted by Praetorian

Looking to upgrade and getting some conflicting stories. Shop 1 says Sigma is the future (helix/cult). Yet another shop down the road hasn't sold one and said Switchblade 3 is selling like hotcakes. Seems as long as the discussion is sponsored with distribution rights on a brand, I can't get a decent answer.
I dont want this to be a holden vs ford argument. I would like some feedback from anyone who has demo or recently acquired either of these kites.
Secondly, I see heaps of reviews on Helix, but not the Cult? Why?

Note: I'm intermediate 79Kg who currently rides a prehistoric 2004 Airush Flow c-shape. Never been on anything else.

Cheers.

---

There definately seems to be a cult following of the SB3 at Dolls point. new ones popping up everywhere... and most of the guys seem to be very happy.

Considering its the 3rd release of this kite, personally I would go for this.
The Helix might be fantastic - but its technology is so new, and in my opinion - untested in the long run...

but as everyone says - DEMO and DECIDE.

quote:

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Originally posted by bigmark100

There definately seems to be a cult following of the SB3 at Dolls point. new ones popping up everywhere... and most of the guys seem to be very happy.

Considering its the 3rd release of this kite, personally I would go for this.
The Helix might be fantastic - but its technology is so new, and in my opinion - untested in the long run...

but as everyone says - DEMO and DECIDE.

---

Not sure if i agree, just because a kite is third generation doesn't mean its any good. Last year's cabrinha's had leading edge issues, so much for second generation being better (warranty or not). Rhino is how many generations old and yet they had major issues with bladders. The link was supposed to be second generation and that failed miserably. As much as first generation fail, second generation are also likely to fail if it comes down to one simple thing...manufacturing issues. Cabrinha Crossbow was first generation and yet it eclipsed a lot of 5th generation C kites in its first run.

fair point.
I had the first CB12, and found the construction to be poor compared to SS. But then I got the links....and so am back looking for a new manufacturer.

I swore never to buy a new kite again, but seeing all the hoohah about the new kites - its very hard to not get tempted.

Kitepower i recon its great that you are willing to spend so much time to help someone out, and to give pretty unbiased, but honest opinions. I guess thats what makes a good shop, but its still nice.

Select to expand quote

Originally posted by Kitepower Australia

Construction, Cabs win, but we have had no issues with our heavily used Naish demos either

PM me if you want more info, comparing leading brands on this forums turns into a rubbish pimp fest in no time.


Me smells hypocracy
Cabs win on construction???? That will be the day. Switchblades were lucky to last 2 months. Crossbow 2's lucky to last one flight.

Your the only one I see pimping on this thread.

My Xbows and contras have flown a whole season no problem......

Select to expand quote

justdoit said...

[maroon]Me smells hypocracy
Cabs win on construction???? That will be the day. Switchblades were lucky to last 2 months. Crossbow 2's lucky to last one flight.

Hi Prat.
First let me say I don't give a rats what brand of kite anyone flies. I've owned Switchblade 1, 2's, and now 3's and never had a warranty or construction issue with any of them. (I have also owned naish & slingshot kites and likewise had no problems) The SB3 is alot more robust than the SB2 and flies great. It is by far the best kit I have ever owned. I personally prefer the cabrinah bar over the naish & am not a fan of the internal naish octopus one pump system. As mentioned before, demo the kites and see which kite you like the speed and control of, for your style of riding. You'll be happy with any of the kites you have mentioned.

Well obviously you do care or you wouldnt bother replying to this thread

Each to thier own, aren't I entitled to my veiw.

Must be that time of the month

Anyway, back to the topic.

I had my first ride on the SB3 over the weekend, and I have ridden the CULTS for a while now. Now just to point out, I ride and work for Naish.

I tested the 14m SB3 and the CULT 13.5m. Wind very light <10 knots, but there was tide assistance (approx. 3+ knots).

I found both kites had great bottom end, I would possible say the SB3 had more static pull, but found I could generate more power from the Cult after one or two pumps. The Bar was significantly lighter on the CULT, and Depower was also smoother on the CULT. Turning speeds were similar, but it's hard to tell in such light winds. I liked the stopper on the Cult more as you could sheet it all the way in, the SB3 is quite heavy on the bar, and my chicken arms would get tired after a long light wind session. Didn't really get any decent jumps on either kites.

Canopy stability, GEO-TECH and SIGMA made the CULT look creasless in the air, unfair competition with any kite. But both kites seemed to be able to fly in very little wind. The Cult was probably a little more susceptable to over sheeting and stalling in the really light stuff (<7 knots), but I think this can happen to any SLE/BOW in light winds by inexperienced riders. Plus I just don't think kites are designed for less than 7 knots anyway.

Didn't try re-launch.

Definately worth organizing a demo of the two, as personal preference would be the only way to decide!

All up, I prefer the CULT, Lighter bar, smoother control, but I guess I am Bias a bit.

Regards,

JB

Select to expand quote

JB said...

Anyway, back to the topic.

I had my first ride on the SB3 over the weekend, and I have ridden the CULTS for a while now. Now just to point out, I ride and work for Naish.

I tested the 14m SB3 and the CULT 13.5m. Wind very light <10 knots, but there was tide assistance (approx. 3+ knots).

Regards,

JB

Damn, now all the phots and video I have are worthless!!
Its true JB could not stay away from the lure to try the SB3 14M back to back with the 13.5 Cult!
I did it too, and I prefer the SB3 14M, but its a kite I do get to ride a lot.
Did like the sliding stopper on the Cult in the light winds, reminded me of flying a C kite with a main loop!
The ability of the SB3's to fly in light winds is amazing, guys were still out on it giving the Flysurfer Speed2 Sliver Arrow a good run for the money, but in the end only the Speed 2 could keep going upwind, on a massive board.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Just my 2 cents. I think at least where I ride that the Sigma thing will be a big failure.

Guys are riding them and not being overly impressed and going for SB3 or Rebel. Waroos are starting to make a bit of an impression.

Just aesthetically the Sigmas look hideous to my eye so for them to sell they have to offer a heap of advantages before people will choose them. Being realistic I doubt if any kites offer orders of magnitude advantages in pure performance terms.

The SB3 is a no-brain choice. You go into the shop. Choose your colour. Go kiting. Sell it for a good price when you've had enough and buy the new model. No pain. Lots of pleasure. A bit of a wimpy choice but who gives a rats about that ... except Arcers and Flysurfers and maybe Slingsluts.

I strongly suggest trying as many kites as possible. Everyone is different, and like different things about different kites. Forums are great for people to express their opinions about their experiences, but in reality the only experience that matters is your own. Demo, Try and compare for your self.

Regards,

JB

Switchblades are great kites owned and no real issues or problems, owned Naish kites as well personally I'd go the SB, as it has the least bar pressure of any kite I've ever flown , which is one of the leading factors in my choice of kite as heavy bar pressure for me = stuffed elbow every time.
And sigma needs a season to iron out the technology I recon.

Flux, you need to try the CULT if your after light bar pressure! IMO, significantly lighter than the SB3 (13.5 vs 14).

If you're really after a kite with no bar pressure then try an Airush Vapor !!

Select to expand quote

JB said...

Flux, you need to try the CULT if your after light bar pressure! IMO, significantly lighter than the SB3 (13.5 vs 14).

Yeah, the people who say the SB is the lightest bar pressure need to get out and try more kites. Plenty of lighter ones, nova 2, havoc etc.

Light bar pressure is for nancys. You boys best get yourself to a gym or something.

u want the lightest bar pressure??????/
Get a "C" kite and ride on the stopper

Select to expand quote

justdoit said...

u want the lightest bar pressure??????/
Get a "C" kite and ride on the stopper

its even lighter if you unhook your kite and then it go!

If you really want light bar pressure? Do you? The try an Ozone Instinct!!
Seriously the bar pressure between the Cult 13.5 and the SB3 14M (that demo was my own kite) is hardly noticeable, they are very similar in my opinion, with the Cult being slightly less pressure. Maybe there was a bit more/less wind when I tried it JB??

Anyway, both kites have what I would call nice bar pressure, by that I mean they have a good feel from the rear lines, so you know where the kite is. I felt at home on the Cult after one tack across the river and back, just like I did with the Helix when I first tried that. The Cult has a more solid pull than he Helix though, feels more grunty, like the SB3 14M.

The Helix feels lighter, but still has grunt if you let it fly and don't choke it, but Cult and SB3 have better low end upwind power.

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Just keeping an eye on proceedings here, pimpdar running at full strength.

By the way has anyone noticed how similar the sigma LE profile is to a seagull LE wingspan ??

Many eyes are watching you too
The Slagdar is on full strength!

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Select to expand quote

pimp hunter said...

Just keeping an eye on proceedings here, pimpdar running at full strength.

By the way has anyone noticed how similar the sigma LE profile is to a seagull LE wingspan ??

I think this is one of the first REAL honest review threads I have seen in a long time!

Very interesting comments from JB about the SB3,and likewise from Steve about the Cult !

I reckon whatever justdoit says.

For some strange reason, I look at the avatar, and I am pursuaded he/she is telling the truth

I honestly cannot stand light or hardly any bar pressure, feels like you are flying a sponge.

A kite with some or even heavy bar pressure is preferred. I can always edge my board and place the kite where it should actually be in the window instead of relying on the kite, but thats just me.